Ethnic microaggressions, traumatic stress symptoms, and Latino depression: A moderated mediational model.

Abstract

Although ethnic microaggressions have received increased empirical attention in recent years, there remains a paucity of research regarding how these subtle covert forms of discrimination contribute to Latino mental health. The present study examined the role of traumatic stress symptoms underlying the relationship between ethnic microaggressions and depression. Further, ethnic identity and general self-efficacy were tested as moderators between the ethnic microaggressions and traumatic stress link. Among a sample of 113 Latino adults, moderated mediational analyses revealed statistically significant conditional indirect effects in which traumatic stress symptoms mediated the relationship between ethnic microaggressions and depression while ethnic identity and self-efficacy functioned as moderators. The major findings suggested that the indirect effects were the most robust within low ethnic identity and low self-efficacy. The findings are discussed within a stress and coping framework that highlight the internal resources and stress responses associated with experiencing ethnic microaggressions.

What Mediates the Relationship Between Ethnic Discrimination and Stress? Coping Strategies and Perceived Social Support of Russian Immigrants in Germany

“…Passive harm, a subtle and paternalistic form of ethnic discrimination, was reported most frequently in our sample of Russian immigrants, followed by everyday discrimination and active harm. This frequency distribution is similar to other studies which reported that the frequency of more subtle forms of discrimination has increased over time, whereas blatant forms have become less frequent [e.g., (16,101)]. We found that everyday discrimination was prevalent in our sample; this fits the notion that discrimination remains a pervasive factor in housing, education, employment, and health care (30,(102)(103)(104).…”

Inclusion of people of color in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy: a review of the literature

“…These racial slights may be perceived as harmless, but they are considered a form of everyday discrimination and racism that induce emotional and traumatic stress responses in those afflicted. In a study of Latinos, traumatic stress responses were the mechanisms by which microaggressions contributed to symptoms of depression and anxiety [ 44 ]. Discrimination is also associated with increased anxiety, affective, and substance abuse disorders among African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans [ 45 ].…”

Microaggressions in Clinical Training and Practice

“…There is also strong evidence that microaggressions lead to elevated levels of depression and trauma among marginalized communities . For example, in a study of undergraduate students, depression and suicidal ideation were linked to racial microaggressions …”